Olympia, WA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

OMC Chapter 13.24 sets the rules for reclaimed water distributed by the City of Olympia under the Reclaimed Water Permit issued to LOTT. Under OMC 13.24.030 the Reclaimed Water Program is part of the City's Drinking Water Utility, and customers must comply with the chapter, the State Standards, the Reclaimed Water Permit, the City EDDS and their End User Service Agreement. The Public Works Director signs End User Service Agreements, except agreements with other governmental entities, which need City Council approval. Applications for service are made through Community Planning and Development.

OMC 13.24.280 is the prohibitions section. An End User cannot use reclaimed water beyond what the agreement specifies, or extend reclaimed water facilities beyond what it authorizes, without prior written consent of the City. Selling, leasing, giving or conveying reclaimed water to any other Premises or Use Area is prohibited, with one exception for a direct tenant of the End User with prior City approval. Interconnecting a reclaimed system with any public or private potable water supply is prohibited, and master meters are not allowed. Waste is defined to include applying water in sufficient quantity to cause significant runoff, accumulation or overspray onto non-Use Areas, letting fixtures leak without timely correction, and letting pipes or fixtures run open to prevent freezing. Discharge to any watercourse, water body or stormwater facility is prohibited unless the City expressly authorizes it.

Only City employees or qualified contractors authorized by the Director or City Engineer can work on the system (OMC 13.24.070), and no one can remove or change part of it without City Engineer approval. Authorized Public Works employees have access at reasonable hours to check conformity. If an owner or occupant restricts inspections, the City can immediately discontinue service. Fees and rates are set in OMC Title 4, including OMC 4.24.